SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, it was. I was just making errors and I should have did some things different. I did eventually close it out.

Q. How is the fitness?

SERENA WILLIAMS: How is the fitness? Good. I'm feeling good out there, yeah.

Q. Is that because you're very happy in this environment?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I guess I'm happy in the environment. I have a lot of friends out here. I'm in good shape, so...

Q. After three years, you figure that this is like your championship?

SERENA WILLIAMS: It's always up for grabs. I'm here once again to try to defend it.

Q. Do you know anything at all about the girl you play in the next round?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Who do I play?

Q. The young Israeli girl here, Shahar Peer.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Maybe. I think I heard of her. I think I've seen her play. I think I've definitely seen her play. Yeah, I've seen her play.

Q. We've heard lots and lots about your upbringing. She comes from a West Bank settlement in Israel. She's pretty tough.

SERENA WILLIAMS: You know what, I'm ignorant to the whole West Bank settlement of Israel. I'm American. Can you elaborate on that, please.

Q. It's a dangerous place to live.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Is it, hmm. I'll have to look more into that.

I mean, unfortunately, like I said, I have no idea. I'm totally blind to that right now. I would have to look into that more.

Q. Would you recognize her if she came walking past you in the players' lounge?

SERENA WILLIAMS: There's a lot of people that I wouldn't recognize so I can't, you know ‑‑ there's just a lot of people. Especially now because there's so many new players coming and doing so well, so...

But, yeah.

Q. Anything that makes it really interesting for us or the spectators that you have new players coming where you, you know, which are maybe not that well‑known but show great ambition?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I definitely think it's very interesting to play different players that I've never seen. I seem to play a lot of players, a lot of different players that I've never played before. It's good because it keeps everything interesting.

Q. By the same token, Kim is back, Justine got back today. How do you see next year going at the very top of the game?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, as long as all the players are able to stay healthy and, you know, get back. You can't come back all of a sudden. It definitely, I think, takes a little while to get in shape. But if you're working hard, you should be able to come back fast. I just think it will be great for the game again.

Q. Is this competition more than what you expected for this first round?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Definitely, no, I knew she was a tough player. Almost played her a few times but then we never met so I've been meaning to play her for a while now.

Q. Does she have much potential?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I think she has great potential. She's a great fighter. I believe she's young, is she young?

Q. Yes, 17.

SERENA WILLIAMS: So she's doing really well, and she's a fighter and a hustler. She's gotten better already in a year.

Q. May I ask you about your thoughts about Amelie as a player, Amelie Mauresmo as a player and a person, what you know of her, what you think of her.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I think, you know, obviously she's been doing really well as a player. She wins a lot of Tier II's and Tier I's as well, hasn't quite been able to win that Grand Slam. She's almost there. I think she'll definitely get there sooner or later.

Q. The fact that she got to No. 1 without winning a Slam, can you reflect on that?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, you know, she won a lot of tournaments. I think Lindsay was No. 1 without winning a Slam last year as well. It goes to show you if you play a lot, then, you know, you can be No. 1. But I want to win Slams.

Q. How important is the No. 1 ranking to you at the moment? Is it winning Slams or the No. 1 ranking?

SERENA WILLIAMS: For me, the No. 1 ranking is obviously really important. I would love to be No. 1, but at the same time, I would love to win Grand Slams and keep going because I always said, if you win the Slams, then the ranking will come.

Q. How much does the crowd affect you when you're out playing? Do you ever pay attention to it, do you block it out totally, the calls, the cheers?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, I don't know. I try to block it out. Sometimes you hear what people are saying. For me, I'm just fighting, you know.

Q. I wanted to ask you about your other career. I was reading an excellent book on the biography of Althea Gibson. Although your sister looks more like Althea than you do, but since you're the actress in the family, I thought who could play it better than you if it were a movie? Has anyone approached you about doing something like that?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, I think physically Althea ‑‑ it would be a great challenge for me because I guess I would have to get in different type of shape, maybe lose a little muscle mass. That would be exciting to play that role.

Actually, I think it would be fun. It would be a great role for me to play. I've never thought about that, actually. I should probably try to get in on it, you know, because actually I would really do well in that role. I would excel because I obviously play tennis and I'm obviously an actress, and I think it would, you know, it would be hot and it would really be able to stretch my acting because Althea went through a lot as well off the court, and then she was playing golf and stuff like that. I would love, love to do that.

Q. Did you read that book, the book was called, "The Match"? It is about her friendship with Angela Buxton.

SERENA WILLIAMS: No, I didn't read it. I didn't read it. Who would play Angela Buxton?

Q. Well, the author told me he hasn't been approached about doing it as a movie. It was something that was on my mind. He said Venus would look more like Althea, but you're the actress in the family.

SERENA WILLIAMS: (Smiling) Venus, I don't know, maybe she acts as well so, you know...

But we would go out and test for it. Hopefully I'd get the role (laughing).

Q. There's been a lot built up about your outfits. How much of that plays ‑‑ do you just let it by?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I just let it by and I just play tennis. People are always speculating on what I'm going to wear next, so we'll keep watching. I like to make people guess. It's fun.

Q. Last year you came back after a long layoff here and you did very well. What's the last part of a player's game that gets back into sync?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I would say the mental aspect because, you know, I was winning, but it's like getting back in that mental stability thinking, "Okay, right here I'm going to focus on this point." Because you know which point you want to focus on. So just later last year, and during the California swing of tournaments, I finally was in that mental aspect thinking, "Okay, this point right here." I was like, "Oh, I forgot that I used to do that." I forgot that was what I used to do to stay focused on the court. I would say that takes the longest.

Q. How much better shape are you than you were a year ago?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Last year I wasn't in shape at all. I was just here on a wing and a prayer.

Q. You say you weren't in shape. When I'm looking at your muscle tone, your serve and your stamina, the long periods, long matches, you seem to outlast players.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, I don't know. I guess mentally I was in shape. I was like "Okay, I'm not going to get tired." But it was hard because it was hard for me to run and do things to get in shape last year because I had knee problems. But, you know, this year has been much different. I'm just so excited that I'm not having those issues right now.

VeeReeDavJCap81

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:11 AM

SERENA WILLIAMS: Maybe. I think I heard of her. I think I've seen her play. I think I've definitely seen her play. Yeah, I've seen her play.

SERENA LMAO!!!

Stamp Paid

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:14 AM

What an odd question, "What do you think about Amelie Mauresmo?" :unsure: I wouldn't want to hear Mauresmo's answer to "What do you think of Serena Williams?" :scared:

And Serena, you should know more about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, ignorant American or not. http://www.ltmn.com/forums/html/emoticons/nono.gif You should know what a settlement is.

harloo

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:15 AM

Serena is so funny about the Althea role. LOL!

Why did the interviewer ask her about Amelie?:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Ryan

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:15 AM

Holy shit. I think the entire reason Serena's answers seem ridiuclous sometimes is because those questions are SO STUPID. I've never seen such shitty questions in my life.

CC

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:17 AM

What an odd question, "What do you think about Amelie Mauresmo?" :unsure: I wouldn't want to hear Mauresmo's answer to "What do you think of Serena Williams?" :scared:

And Serena, you should know more about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, ignorant American or not. http://www.ltmn.com/forums/html/emoticons/nono.gif You should know what a settlement is.

She's just trying to avoid getting into something that is controversial. Reporters are usually just fishing for a good quote.

vettipooh

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:17 AM

Tricky questions deserve tricky answers.......and no one knows that better than Rena and Vee.:lol:lol::lol:

kabuki

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:19 AM

Oh Lord. This thing is going to be at least 5 pages long. *sigh*

harloo

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:20 AM

What was up with the interviewer asking her about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? She is not on CNN. Unfreaking believable!:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

bandabou

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:20 AM

Smart girl...I think she just wanted to avoid another conflict...remember how she's still being victimized for the French thing?

Knizzle

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:21 AM

SERENA WILLIAMS: (Smiling) Venus, I don't know, maybe she acts as well so, you know...

But we would go out and test for it. Hopefully I'd get the role (laughing).

:haha:

I love it.

Ryan

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:27 AM

True, but I think it is commendable what she said,

because I think there is a huge difference between not knowing/not caring, and not knowing/being willing to learn more.

I don't think she HAS to know about it at all. She's a wealthy athlete/designer/actress. Personally, I do not know much about it and I don't do anything but work and go to school. ;)

Stamp Paid

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:28 AM

She's just trying to avoid getting into something that is controversial. Reporters are usually just fishing for a good quote.

OK yeah, answering that quote directly turns Serena into either an Anti-Semite or something else bad.

anabolix

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:30 AM

I've been critical of serenas responses in interviews b4, but I hope that this is a sign that she is getting better at dealing with them. She seems to be getting more mature to me, like venus a year or two ago changed too.

I think she handled the amelie question pretty well, and the political question too. If youre not an expert, say so, and dont get sucked into saying something that will get you in trouble. Its like when monica used to get asked about serbian politics, she would try not to get drawn into it..........

Staticbeef

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:34 AM

:wavey: Damn, when will they learn? they keep trying to clown baby girl and they just get clowned instead. You go Rena, handle your Bus. :wavey:

LindsayRocks89

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:37 AM

I love Serena's interviews

Mica

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:47 AM

She's just trying to avoid getting into something that is controversial. Reporters are usually just fishing for a good quote.

Hey that's a great point. I too was kind of like "Wow, she's not even somewhat knowledgeable about the conflict"?

But that actually makes alot of sense, if she said something to support the Israelis the press would report that and vice versa.

Smart.

(Unless she really honestly doesn't know anything at all, then that's odd. I know she's a very busy girl, though)

Mica

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:50 AM

I don't think she HAS to know about it at all. She's a wealthy athlete/designer/actress. Personally, I do not know much about it and I don't do anything but work and go to school. ;)

So being a very successful and rich woman absolves her of the responsibility of knowing about the world around her (assuming she doesn't know and isn't smartly saying what she said to avoid a public relations nightmare?)

I don't mean to say this of Serena specifically, it could go for any successful and rich person.

harloo

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:57 AM

Wow Mica you sure are good at nitpicking.:o :lol:

Brooks.

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:59 AM

i luv serena's interviews!!!!

Mica

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:02 AM

Wow Mica you sure are good at nitpicking.:o :lol:

In this post, how so?

tennnisfannn

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:13 AM

I particularly love the response to the israeli/palestinian conflict. You cannot be misquoted if you say nothing, remember the french faur paux she comitted.

serena rarely says anything bad about others anyway, she has always been very mature about others.

icequeen

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:15 AM

Wow Mica you sure are good at nitpicking.:o :lol:

Especially when it comes to Serena. Just keep an eye on her and you will see what i'm talking about.

Mica

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:18 AM

Do not call me out of my name.

And I'd like to think people are more educated on world matters, as the Israeli-Palestine conflict has been major news steadily for a while.

icequeen

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:27 AM

Do not call me out of my name.

And I'd like to think people are more educated on world matters, as the Israeli-Palestine conflict has been major news steadily for a while.

Everyone is not going to be educated in everything what is up with you and Serena. You pick on everything she does and say why don't you leave that girl alone, why are you so involve in her. YOu are a very sick person mica and you need to get a life.

I guranteed you people whenever a Serena's interview is post, or if there's anything minor with her play check out Mica's and you will she that she picks on everthing iota thing that Serena's does. I have no idea what Serena has done to Mica but she seriously hate that young woman even more so than the real haters.

Rocketta

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:29 AM

Mica don't be a c*** you can't know everything that goes on in the world. Ask half the people on this board who are suppose to be college students and wouldn't be able to tell you what it is.

why take the thread in this direction? :(

icequeen

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:29 AM

Mica how come you are not in Venus' interview critizing her and she's your fav. I think we all know that Serena is not your fav but yet you are always starting something about her.

mykarma

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:29 AM

Hey that's a great point. I too was kind of like "Wow, she's not even somewhat knowledgeable about the conflict"?

But that actually makes alot of sense, if she said something to support the Israelis the press would report that and vice versa.

Smart.

(Unless she really honestly doesn't know anything at all, then that's odd. I know she's a very busy girl, though)A very busy girl that reads a lot.

Mica

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:31 AM

Mica don't be a **** you can't know everything that goes on in the world. Ask half the people on this board who are suppose to be college students and wouldn't be able to tell you what it is.

Do not call me out of my name.

And I'd like to think people are more educated on world matters, as the Israeli-Palestine conflict has been major news steadily for a while.

Everyone is not going to be educated in everything what is up with you and Serena. You pick on everything she does and say why don't you leave that girl alone, why are you so involve in her. YOu are a very sick person mica and you need to get a life.

I guranteed you people whenever a Serena's interview is post, or if there's anything minor with her play check out Mica's and you will she that she picks on everthing iota thing that Serena's does. I have no idea what Serena has done to Mica but she seriously hate that young woman even more so than the real haters.

I should clarify, when I said 'I would like to think people...' I was referring to the people in your statement of 'Half the people on this board....', not Serena specifically.

I can see where that was not readily obvious.

wta whore 79

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:39 AM

What's the French faux pas that Serena made?

Mica

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:41 AM

What's the French faux pas that Serena made?

I think it's the one where she had the mock French accent and was like "We do not want to talk about the war, we want to design clothes"

I think it was during the awards ceremony for the French Open and the awards guy asked about American and French relations (this was at the height of the Iraq war)

I think her comments were taken too seriously though, or at the very least Serena didn't mean to cause any harm, she was just making a funny joke and be her lively seld.

Irish

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:43 AM

SERENA WILLIAMS: "You know what, I'm ignorant to the whole West Bank settlement of Israel. I'm American. Can you elaborate on that, please."

It's on every American news channel and major stations daily. Also in the newspapers practically every day. We have an alliance with Israel.

She could have done better by saying "I'd rather not discuss this topic at this time." Unbelievable why she had to say "I'm American." :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Rocketta

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:44 AM

I think it's the one where she had the mock French accent and was like "We do not want to talk about the war, we want to design clothes"

I think it was during the awards ceremony for the French Open and the awards guy asked about American and French relations (this was at the height of the Iraq war)

I think her comments were taken too seriously though, or at the very least Serena didn't mean to cause any harm, she was just making a funny joke and be her lively seld.

The quote is not exactly correct and it definitely wasn't during the French Open. It was way before that and it was just during a press conference I believe.

Mica

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:48 AM

The quote is not exactly correct and it definitely wasn't during the French Open. It was way before that and it was just during a press conference I believe.

Ah, ok, my bad.

Thanks for the clarification.

Paialii

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:48 AM

I still don't like how her "other careers" are brought up so often AT tennis tournaments. I consider myself a huge fan of Serena's, but I think she's pushing the envelope when she says things like "obviously I'm an actress," or "I'm an athlete, a designer, an actress, and I'd put athlete third on that list." We've seen her act what, one or two times? Until she wins an Academy Award, I don't want to hear her bragging about her acting. Sorry if that sounded rude.

When she's at a tennis tournament, and playing competitive tennis, I'd like to hear more about the TENNIS aspect of things, and less about this so-called "designer/actress" stuff.

As for her next opponent, is she really any good? Anyone know?

Venus+Serena#1fan

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:50 AM

I think Rena and Vee are both gonna play great this tournament. It's a shame they had to be in the same quarter :(

wta whore 79

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:52 AM

I'm sorry, but Serena's interviews CRACK ME UP!

She is so funny and sweet and a little self-absorbed. I love everything about her! She has an "all about me" attitude that I LOVE. I think it's incredibly endearing.

Paialii

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:55 AM

I'm sorry, but Serena's interviews CRACK ME UP!

She is so funny and sweet and a little self-absorbed. I love everything about her! She has an "all about me" attitude that I LOVE. I think it's incredibly endearing.

That attitude is good for tennis, but can sometimes make her out to be a little TOO self-absorbed. But I still love her.

thelittlestelf

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:55 AM

:haha: Serena is fricken hilarious!

Venus & Serena are so alike...

Mica

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:56 AM

I still don't like how her "other careers" are brought up so often AT tennis tournaments. I consider myself a huge fan of Serena's, but I think she's pushing the envelope when she says things like "obviously I'm an actress," or "I'm an athlete, a designer, an actress, and I'd put athlete third on that list." We've seen her act what, one or two times? Until she wins an Academy Award, I don't want to hear her bragging about her acting. Sorry if that sounded rude.

When she's at a tennis tournament, and playing competitive tennis, I'd like to hear more about the TENNIS aspect of things, and less about this so-called "designer/actress" stuff.

I think it shows that Serena has diversified herself and can dedicate herself in many different directions. She's not the best actress nor will Donatella wake up in a cold sweat worried that she's going to steal Versace customers (not just yet anyway, she very well could with a few more seasons under her belt) but I see nothing wrong in talking about it.

The more Serena becomes known in circles not directly related to tennis (such as in movies or fashion) the better it is for tennis because that potentially is a demographic that doesn't watch tennis on the regular and just now they may (this is generalizing to a degree because who is to say that just because you like fashion you don't watch tennis, but just go with me here lol)

I figure as long as she is winning the matches, then a little fashion design business talk or a question about acting doesn't hurt. Should it dominate the whole interview? Nah. There's a time and place for everything.

Infiniti2001

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:57 AM

SERENA WILLIAMS: "You know what, I'm ignorant to the whole West Bank settlement of Israel. I'm American. Can you elaborate on that, please."

It's on every American news channel and major stations daily. Also in the newspapers practically every day. We have an alliance with Israel.

She could have done better by saying "I'd rather not discuss this topic at this time." Unbelievable why she had to say "I'm American." :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Oh please :rolleyes: She's being honest. It's a fact that the majority of Americans have absolutely zero knowledge or pay attention to world conflicts .

lucashg

Mar 26th, 2005, 05:00 AM

I actually thought this was a made-by-fans interview for amusement in these boards, but guess what? Serena actually said all these things.

I just can't believe it:

Actually, I think it would be fun. It would be a great role for me to play. I've never thought about that, actually. I should probably try to get in on it, you know, because actually I would really do well in that role. I would excel because I obviously play tennis and I'm obviously an actress, and I think it would, you know, it would be hot and it would really be able to stretch my acting because Althea went through a lot as well off the court, and then she was playing golf and stuff like that. I would love, love to do that.

:lol: She excels the limits of self-confidence, that's for sure.

Maybe. I think I heard of her. I think I've seen her play. I think I've definitely seen her play. Yeah, I've seen her play.

:lol: I seriously doubt that.

Well, you know, she won a lot of tournaments. I think Lindsay was No. 1 without winning a Slam last year as well. It goes to show you if you play a lot, then, you know, you can be No. 1. But I want to win Slams.

Hm, good that she brought Lindsay up. She's been #1 for half a year now and she hasn't won a slam to achieve that, so Mauresmo should be less criticized.

Overall, Serena's interviews are very funny. She actually comes up with good answers for such stupid questions, I kinda feel sorry for her being bothered and drawn to a trap of answering political questions where obviously they don't belong: tennis courts. It's nice to see political views from different fields of people, but these journalists always tend to prejudice one's public persona by a misleading comment.

Serena always gives good interviews..
She never lets those desperate reporters bait her...

lucashg

Mar 26th, 2005, 05:10 AM

The more Serena becomes known in circles not directly related to tennis (such as in movies or fashion) the better it is for tennis because that potentially is a demographic that doesn't watch tennis on the regular and just now they may (this is generalizing to a degree because who is to say that just because you like fashion you don't watch tennis, but just go with me here lol)

I figure as long as she is winning the matches, then a little fashion design business talk or a question about acting doesn't hurt. Should it dominate the whole interview? Nah. There's a time and place for everything.

That's interesting and I agree, but Serena must not let the media mix her careers so much. Initially, it's good for her because people will be caught up to know more about her other careers, but eventually it might get to journalists' heads and they'll start writing her off for being "too lazy to compete in tennis" or "go back to tennis, where you actually have talent", if they haven't done that already.

Good luck to Serena and to tennis, I'd say.

icequeen

Mar 26th, 2005, 05:12 AM

I still don't like how her "other careers" are brought up so often AT tennis tournaments. I consider myself a huge fan of Serena's, but I think she's pushing the envelope when she says things like "obviously I'm an actress," or "I'm an athlete, a designer, an actress, and I'd put athlete third on that list." We've seen her act what, one or two times? Until she wins an Academy Award, I don't want to hear her bragging about her acting. Sorry if that sounded rude.

When she's at a tennis tournament, and playing competitive tennis, I'd like to hear more about the TENNIS aspect of things, and less about this so-called "designer/actress" stuff.

As for her next opponent, is she really any good? Anyone know?

When the girl talks about her tennis and how she plays you all find fault, when she talks about her other interest you find fault too. The poor girl can't win....

No Name Face

Mar 26th, 2005, 07:07 AM

i love that girl :worship:

hablo

Mar 26th, 2005, 08:22 AM

Well, at least she didn't take the bait and diss Momo :yeah: ;)

wta whore 79

Mar 26th, 2005, 08:25 AM

Well, at least she didn't take the bait and diss Momo :yeah: ;)

Also very telling how courteous Serena was in her comments about Amelie. She didn't bring up how busy she is with fashion/acting/reality shows/etc. like she does when they force her to speak about Sharahova.

!!!--Duiz™--!!!

Mar 26th, 2005, 08:26 AM

Don't lose that sense of humour Serena! :D

pigam

Mar 26th, 2005, 09:09 AM

"I'm American" is obviously a very cynic comment.
serena KNOWS why she says this. Because, she wants to prevent others from saying it.
She is totally right. How many of us could give a good answer to that question? Very few! Smart people only give their opinion on things they know, that's what serena did.
The interveiw sucks, but that's obviously not Serena's fault. These questions are :o

ceiling_fan

Mar 26th, 2005, 09:15 AM

excuse me pigam, but who's uJuJ :confused:

:lol:

wta whore 79

Mar 26th, 2005, 09:16 AM

"I'm American" is obviously a very cynic comment.
serena KNOWS why she says this. Because, she wants to prevent others from saying it.
She is totally right. How many of us could give a good answer to that question? Very few! Smart people only give their opinion on things they know, that's what serena did.
The interveiw sucks, but that's obviously not Serena's fault. These questions are :o

I don't think Serena wanted to be baited into any kind of Israeli-Palestinian conflict conversation. I don't really feel politics are relevant to tennis. And even if they were, Serena has nothing to gain by speaking her political views. Informed Americans are divided over the issue, as it is. Better she play dumb than to have either side go after her for what her actual view is.

pigam

Mar 26th, 2005, 09:28 AM

I don't think Serena wanted to be baited into any kind of Israeli-Palestinian conflict conversation. I don't really feel politics are relevant to tennis. And even if they were, Serena has nothing to gain by speaking her political views. Informed Americans are divided over the issue, as it is. Better she play dumb than to have either side go after her for what her actual view is.
yeah, that's what I said.
Only you said it differently and better :p

gentenaire

Mar 26th, 2005, 09:46 AM

Smart girl...I think she just wanted to avoid another conflict...remember how she's still being victimized for the French thing?

Wow, there's no end to Serena's list of talents, is there? Now we can add 'not knowing about what's happening in the world' to the list. She's so clever.

RVD

Mar 26th, 2005, 10:11 AM

Tennis journalists are bottom-feeders, pure and simple. :mad:
Serena must have recalled how they blew her French-American humor out of context, concerning the Iraqi War. And she was determined not to be casual and light-hearted with her answer this time. Those bastards knew she was joking before, yet purposely misquoted her.
I swear these guys just don't know when to quit.
Personally, I loved her 'I'm a dumb American' answer. :yeah: :lol:
Bottom-feeders feed on garbage sensationalism, but Serena gave them health food for thought. ;)

spiceboy

Mar 26th, 2005, 10:56 AM

"I'm American" is obviously a very cynic comment.
serena KNOWS why she says this. Because, she wants to prevent others from saying it.
She is totally right. How many of us could give a good answer to that question? Very few! Smart people only give their opinion on things they know, that's what serena did.

Indeed ;)

Statements like that answers my question...she's obviously not stupid but cynical and ironic...I think this "You know what, I'm ignorant to the whole West Bank settlement of Israel. I'm American" is one of the sentences of the year so far :lol: :lol: :worship: :worship: :worship:

Elldee

Mar 26th, 2005, 12:29 PM

She makes it sound as if Amelie and Lindsay just play a ridiculous number of tournements whereas they won the most titles last year and had the best win/loss record.

Irish

Mar 26th, 2005, 02:15 PM

Oh please :rolleyes: She's being honest. It's a fact that the majority of Americans have absolutely zero knowledge or pay attention to world conflicts .

Think again...

ans

Mar 26th, 2005, 02:20 PM

Serena's nice towards other players in this interview:)

But it's quite funny what some fans try to see into her words.

Declan

Mar 26th, 2005, 02:56 PM

I'm pleased that she obviously knows who Angela Buxton is!!!

CC

Mar 26th, 2005, 02:58 PM

Wow, there's no end to Serena's list of talents, is there? Now we can add 'not knowing about what's happening in the world' to the list. She's so clever.

It doesn't really have anything to do with cleverness (ignoring the sarcasm for a minute). Many of these people have been in the public eye for a long time. After a while you learn to develop "deflective" skills to make things easier for youself.

lucashg

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:22 PM

But it's quite funny what some fans try to see into her words.

Now I'm wondering how much depth there was in her answers. I don't think she meant to use subtle sarcasm on every single stupid question she was asked there.

LindsayRocks89

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:52 PM

She makes it sound as if Amelie and Lindsay just play a ridiculous number of tournements whereas they won the most titles last year and had the best win/loss record.

oh come on, that's not what she's doing

harloo

Mar 26th, 2005, 03:52 PM

People turn every little damn thing Serena says into some controversial discussion. I mean get a freaking life already.:rolleyes:

Mrs. Peel

Mar 26th, 2005, 04:02 PM

People turn every little damn thing Serena says into some controversial discussion. I mean get a freaking life already.:rolleyes:

For real :rolleyes:

For those nit picking on Serena's words, let us know when you win the freaking Nobel Peace Prize for your great understanding of world events :unsure: :rolleyes:

SJW

Mar 26th, 2005, 07:17 PM

People turn every little damn thing Serena says into some controversial discussion. I mean get a freaking life already.:rolleyes:

that's because she's a superstar. u remember her MTV Diary? she was saying how she doesnt hang with the other players...wants to keep that mystery about her...as she said, she wants people to think (to paraphrase: ) "what is she gonna do next?". people hang on her every word and i find it hilarious. the next course to be taught at college is gonna be on "Serena-isms" :)

jonny84

Mar 26th, 2005, 07:20 PM

Good luck for the rest of the tournament Serena - yesterdays match was good - Douchevina is no pushover!

Veenut

Mar 26th, 2005, 07:44 PM

Wow, there's no end to Serena's list of talents, is there? Now we can add 'not knowing about what's happening in the world' to the list. She's so clever.

I'm sure she knows as much as many do including you and that is, they have been fighting for years over a piece of land. Her knowledge on the details is very limited in order to make further comments and she said so.

Before you get too critical of her I would like to know how many 23 years old and less are very versed on the details on this issue. I'm a C-span political junkie and I've watched veteran politicians address such question with as much vagueness as they can because this is a very sensitive issue. I'm totally happy that Serena dealt with it they way she did. There is nothing wrong with not knowing something, what is wrong is when you are not willing to find out. Hey, Bush didn't know a lot about the world either and he's practiclly running it so calm down.

Diesel

Mar 26th, 2005, 07:48 PM

that's because she's a superstar. u remember her MTV Diary? she was saying how she doesnt hang with the other players...wants to keep that mystery about her...as she said, she wants people to think (to paraphrase: ) "what is she gonna do next?". people hang on her every word and i find it hilarious. the next course to be taught at college is gonna be on "Serena-isms" :)

Serena will be just like Tupac, her own course in college :lol:

Cariaoke

Mar 26th, 2005, 07:50 PM

Serena will be just like Tupac, her own course in college :lol:
and Lil Kim...

I'm not sure she wants to follow in those footsteps... :tape:

SJW

Mar 26th, 2005, 07:52 PM

Serena will be just like Tupac, her own course in college :lol:

she should! her words are analysed to a "t". i sure as hell don't talk thinking people are gonna study my sentence structure but that's what people on wtaworld do :tape: it's amazing :D

Diesel

Mar 26th, 2005, 07:54 PM

and Lil Kim...

I'm not sure she wants to follow in those footsteps... :tape:

Lil Kim has a course? For what? :eek:

Diesel

Mar 26th, 2005, 07:55 PM

she should! her words are analysed to a "t". i sure as hell don't talk thinking people are gonna study my sentence structure but that's what people on wtaworld do :tape: it's amazing :D

Too true, Pac's poetry right alongside Rena's interviews :lol:

SJW

Mar 26th, 2005, 07:56 PM

Lil Kim has a course? For what? :eek:

"Reasons not to get plastic surgery: personified"

Cariaoke

Mar 26th, 2005, 07:56 PM

Lil Kim has a course? For what? :eek:
You didn't know they had a course on Lil Kim at Syracuse? I thought everybody heard about it! :lol:

Diesel

Mar 26th, 2005, 07:58 PM

"Reasons not to get plastic surgery: personified"

That and how not to perjure yourself and getting (possible) time in prison. But I don't know what she was thinking with the plastic surgery.

Cariaoke

Mar 26th, 2005, 07:59 PM

"Reasons not to get plastic surgery: personified"
u stupid! :lol:

I think they discuss her lyrics.

Not much variety there... :tape:

Denise4925

Mar 26th, 2005, 08:02 PM

I still don't like how her "other careers" are brought up so often AT tennis tournaments. I consider myself a huge fan of Serena's, but I think she's pushing the envelope when she says things like "obviously I'm an actress," or "I'm an athlete, a designer, an actress, and I'd put athlete third on that list." We've seen her act what, one or two times? Until she wins an Academy Award, I don't want to hear her bragging about her acting. Sorry if that sounded rude.

Note to Angela Bassett: Don't call yourself an actress until you win an Oscar. :rolleyes:

When she's at a tennis tournament, and playing competitive tennis, I'd like to hear more about the TENNIS aspect of things, and less about this so-called "designer/actress" stuff.

You need to address this to the reporters and not Serena. She doesn't bring it up and is merely answering the reporters' questions. Besides, it's a part of her life, so why shouldn't she be proud. She's accomplished a lot more than others and still plays high caliber tennis.

Veenut

Mar 26th, 2005, 08:12 PM

Serena will be just like Tupac, her own course in college :lol:

Throw in Richard's to be released book in the course also. :lol:

LORD HAVE MERCY ON OUR SOULS!!!! :lol:

Denise4925

Mar 26th, 2005, 08:19 PM

She makes it sound as if Amelie and Lindsay just play a ridiculous number of tournements whereas they won the most titles last year and had the best win/loss record.
:scratch: That's what she said. :rolleyes:

gentenaire

Mar 26th, 2005, 09:02 PM

I'm sure she knows as much as many do including you and that is, they have been fighting for years over a piece of land. Her knowledge on the details is very limited in order to make further comments and she said so. .

I wasn't attacking Serena, she gave an honest reply. I was simply mocking those in this thread who think it's a clever comment. It's honest, but you really have to twist it around a lot and be extremely biased if you want to call 'I don't know anything about the issue' a sign of intelligence. I'm not saying Serena's stupid, I'm not saying that comment makes her look stupid, all I'm saying is that that comment can hardly be considered 'clever'.

faste5683

Mar 26th, 2005, 09:41 PM

[QUOTE=pigam"How many of us could give a good answer to that question? Very few! Smart people only give their opinion on things they know, that's what serena did.
The interveiw sucks, but that's obviously not Serena's fault. These questions are :o[/QUOTE]

The formation, rise, and history of a Jewish state surrounded by Muslim countries is one the most interesting phenomonon of the last hundred years. I would imagine anyone who reads the paper or watches the news has at least a clue...

:wavey:

Diesel

Mar 26th, 2005, 10:21 PM

I don't see Serena as not "having a clue" to the subject, but her opinion is her opinion and on this particular subject, anything and everything is controversial. I don't see the reason in asking Serena this question, something other players aren't asked. She handled it the way she felt best. There's no reason for her to be used as on parties cause over the other. As seen by some posts, she's left open for attack no matter what she says or what she reads :rolleyes:

Hulet

Mar 26th, 2005, 10:27 PM

Why the F does she has to know about the West Bank? :confused:

I am pretty sure the Israeli player knows little about Compton.

SJW

Mar 26th, 2005, 10:34 PM

to be honest, if someone asked me about the Israel/Palestine situation, i would have said something similar. that's a sticky topic to get in to, and we all know how Serena's words get misinterpreted. she did the right thing.

RVD

Mar 26th, 2005, 10:52 PM

The formation, rise, and history of a Jewish state surrounded by Muslim countries is one the most interesting phenomonon of the last hundred years. I would imagine anyone who reads the paper or watches the news has at least a clue...

:wavey::lol: You're kidding, right? :)

Aquanetta

Mar 26th, 2005, 10:54 PM

I've been critical of serenas responses in interviews b4, but I hope that this is a sign that she is getting better at dealing with them. She seems to be getting more mature to me, like venus a year or two ago changed too.

I think she handled the amelie question pretty well, and the political question too. If youre not an expert, say so, and dont get sucked into saying something that will get you in trouble. Its like when monica used to get asked about serbian politics, she would try not to get drawn into it..........

I agree with this. Even if she had a firm opinion on political questions, it's best to play it safe than to be lured into making comments that will inevitably be taken out of context.

Rena :worship:

Diesel

Mar 26th, 2005, 11:29 PM

since it's quite obvious from this board that Serena's interviews are left for interpretation...some here, interpreted Serena's statement to be one of deflection from giving her own opinion on such a political question, and what they found 'clever' was the way she did it, by adding that she is American, thus needing to be educated (I'm surprised you don't see the irony of such a statement on this board- its quite a popular opinion here, yes?) on the topic. Perhaps I would use the term she was being 'tongue-in-cheek' and not 'clever' (but then again the way the term is used in England- that word can be used here). So, yes, from some people's interpretation, the word 'clever' can be indeed used.

:worship:

faste5683

Mar 27th, 2005, 12:08 AM

:lol: You're kidding, right? :)

No.

:wavey:

faste5683

Mar 27th, 2005, 12:13 AM

Why the F does she has to know about the West Bank? :confused:

I am pretty sure the Israeli player knows little about Compton.

You might be surprised...

:wavey:

Diesel

Mar 27th, 2005, 12:15 AM

You might be surprised...

:wavey:

Hopefully in the post match interview they'll ask her.

faste5683

Mar 27th, 2005, 12:22 AM

I agree with this. Even if she had a firm opinion on political questions, it's best to play it safe than to be lured into making comments that will inevitably be taken out of context.

Rena :worship:

This was not a political question, anymore than saying that Compton, California is a "tough" place. I admire Serena's honesty. She had no idea what the "West Bank" is, or how it related to her opponent. She admitted that, and good for her. What disturbs me is some of the posters here are actually defending her lack of knowledge.

thelittlestelf

Mar 27th, 2005, 12:24 AM

I can't believe this thread went to 3 pages because Serena said "I'm American" :rolleyes:

BoucharDRules

Mar 27th, 2005, 12:28 AM

SERENA WILLIAMS: Who do I play?

Q. The young Israeli girl here, Shahar Peer.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Maybe. I think I heard of her. I think I've seen her play. I think I've definitely seen her play. Yeah, I've seen her play.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Serena thinking out loud......you can almost hear the 1 KHz processor clicking in her brain.

Diesel

Mar 27th, 2005, 12:34 AM

I can't believe this thread went to 3 pages because Serena said "I'm American" :rolleyes:

I can :o What is so disturbing is that some aren't fully reading all the posts in the thread but are responding anyway seemingly just to argue and or put Serena down in some way. {sigh}

harloo

Mar 27th, 2005, 12:40 AM

If Serena would of let her true opinion be known their would of been people who felt she should not comment on politics. She is a tennis player so she should keep her mouth closed would be what most people would say.

Now since she seemed to deflect the question she should know everything their is to know about the whole situation, and she should speak out.

She can't win either way so stop obsessing over every little comment.

:rolleyes:

Rocketta

Mar 27th, 2005, 12:49 AM

They didn't ask her opinion... That's what I find funny about this (and why I decided to bother replying this topic).

I really fail to see why an American tennis player would care about what's going in Israel, and her answer just seems to reflect that.

nor did she say she had no knowledge of the Arab/isreal conflict. What she said was she was ignorant of the West Bank Settlement in regards to why it would make Peer tough.

Irish

Mar 27th, 2005, 12:59 AM

I can't believe this thread went to 3 pages because Serena said "I'm American" :rolleyes:

Neither can I!!!!!!!!!!!!! :rolleyes:

I wonder how many caught the sarcasm (in my post) about so much American news media there is about this subject PLASTERED on American owned TVs and in American newspapers daily and she is unaware of it.

Maybe Serena doesn't have time to watch the news or read newspapers. :confused: ;)

Out of 290 million Americans, I am sure there are more than a handful who have heard about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict(s). :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Diesel

Mar 27th, 2005, 01:07 AM

Serena could be unaware of it, she could be in a fix where she couldn't care less, or she could have a differing opinion than the viewpoint that is shown on American owned tv stations and American owned newspapers - especially considering the US has that little alliance with Israel and all. Oh well :rolleyes:

mykarma

Mar 27th, 2005, 02:36 AM

She makes it sound as if Amelie and Lindsay just play a ridiculous number of tournements whereas they won the most titles last year and had the best win/loss record.:tape: :rolleyes:

mykarma

Mar 27th, 2005, 02:53 AM

The formation, rise, and history of a Jewish state surrounded by Muslim countries is one the most interesting phenomonon of the last hundred years. I would imagine anyone who reads the paper or watches the news has at least a clue...

:wavey:Because you think it's the most interesting phenomonon of the last hundred years doesn't mean that everyone does. As you know, Serena is a Jehovah Witness and they don't vote, pledge allegence to the flag, nor speak on political topics.

mykarma

Mar 27th, 2005, 02:56 AM

Serena could be unaware of it, she could be in a fix where she couldn't care less, or she could have a differing opinion than the viewpoint that is shown on American owned tv stations and American owned newspapers - especially considering the US has that little alliance with Israel and all. Oh well :rolleyes::worship: :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship:

Junex

Mar 27th, 2005, 04:30 AM

Q. I wanted to ask you about your other career. I was reading an excellent book on the biography of Althea Gibson. Although your sister looks more like Althea than you do, but since you're the actress in the family, I thought who could play it better than you if it were a movie? Has anyone approached you about doing something like that?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, I think physically Althea ‑‑ it would be a great challenge for me because I guess I would have to get in different type of shape, maybe lose a little muscle mass. That would be exciting to play that role.

Actually, I think it would be fun. It would be a great role for me to play. I've never thought about that, actually. I should probably try to get in on it, you know, because actually I would really do well in that role. I would excel because I obviously play tennis and I'm obviously an actress, and I think it would, you know, it would be hot and it would really be able to stretch my acting because Althea went through a lot as well off the court, and then she was playing golf and stuff like that. I would love, love to do that.

Q. Did you read that book, the book was called, "The Match"? It is about her friendship with Angela Buxton.

SERENA WILLIAMS: No, I didn't read it. I didn't read it. Who would play Angela Buxton?

Q. Well, the author told me he hasn't been approached about doing it as a movie. It was something that was on my mind. He said Venus would look more like Althea, but you're the actress in the family.

SERENA WILLIAMS: (Smiling) Venus, I don't know, maybe she acts as well so, you know...

But we would go out and test for it. Hopefully I'd get the role (laughing).

I can just imagine:

Royal Court Pictures presents:

Serena Williams
as
Althea Gibson
in
The Tennis Player & the Actress

I am expecting a razzie....!!!! :bounce: :bounce: :devil:

ans

Mar 27th, 2005, 12:13 PM

I can't believe this thread went to 3 pages because Serena said "I'm American" :rolleyes:

It's not 'cause serena said "I'm American". It's because people think she gave an unbelievably smart and funny answer and others doubt that.
There's nothing wrong with her answer. More people are ignorant about what's going on in the world and according to this thread and serena's answer lots of Americans are, which is weird 'cause their country is involved in this issue...in all important issues actually...

Serena+LenaDrule

Mar 27th, 2005, 03:19 PM

I particularly love the response to the israeli/palestinian conflict. You cannot be misquoted if you say nothing, remember the french faur paux she comitted.

serena rarely says anything bad about others anyway, she has always been very mature about others.
I love her interviews she handles well the traps the journalists set ;)
its spelt Faux Pas ;) :yeah:

Denise4925

Mar 27th, 2005, 08:45 PM

nor did she say she had no knowledge of the Arab/isreal conflict. What she said was she was ignorant of the West Bank Settlement in regards to why it would make Peer tough.
:worship: :worship: :worship:
This is absolutely correct. Dr. Bagel and Faste et al. who accuse her of being ignorant of the Arab/Israeli conflict on the West Bank, need to read the interview again, before accusing her of ignorance on the subject or the some of the posters for not reading the interview correctly. :o